Firing the display: Before starting up the display confirm the direction of the wind and make sure that the fallout area is still downwind and spectator area is still upwind. If the wind direction has changed, you will have to change the position of the fireworks and how they are fired. Have two people handling the display – one for the ground fireworks and the other handling the aerial display. This will reduce the gaps in the display and enhance the continuity. Cleaning up after the show: Inspect the whole after the show and make sure there are no smoldering embers left anywhere. Bag up all used fireworks including those that did not light and dispose of them safely. Leaving firework litter around could be highly dangerous. Fireworks Safety Along with common sense, it is extremely important to read all warnings and cautions and treat fireworks with respect. While they can result in a brilliant display, they can also cause a lot of damage if used indiscriminately. Make sure all local laws regarding lighting of fireworks are obeyed. Throwing fireworks from automobiles or lighting them indoors can lead to dangerous situations and accidents. Lighting multiple devices indiscriminately can be equally dangerous. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind when lighting fireworks or putting on a fireworks show: Never use illegal explosives or fireworks meant to be handled by professionals only. If fireworks are illegal in your area, donʟt break the law, especially if they have been banned for reasons such as drought conditions. Light all fireworks only outdoors in open spaces making sure there are no vehicles or other combustible items around. Do not light fireworks in areas that are surrounded by dry brush or grass as even a spark can start off a full-blown fire. Do not alter the fireworks in any way or combine them in an indiscriminate manner. Use them as intended to avoid dangerous situations. Light fireworks only when you are sober. Alcohol and fireworks is a dangerous combination. Never allow children to play with fireworks unattended or unsupervised. Wear good safety goggles when lighting fireworks and wear clothes that are flame-retardant. It is important that there should be a source of water nearby. A water hose with a steady and unlimited supply is the best, but if that is unavailable then ensure you have plenty of water available in several containers. Never carry fireworks in your pockets or give them to children to carry around. Never light up a dud immediately. Give it some time to die out completely before approaching.
Written by Gabriel Adams. Courtesy of Isnare.com Photograph's by Jayson Kingsbeer